Black Isle kids delve into science for lockdown brainwaves

CHILDREN in a corner of the Black Isle have been inspired to think how technology might help them during the lockdown – thanks to the efforts of a business managing director.

Under normal circumstances, Calico UK’s Kirsty Pryer would be getting involved in schools, volunteering in her role as a STEM ambassador to try to encourage the children to become more active in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Some of her previous activities included mock interviews at Fortrose Academy, robot activities with girl guide groups and judging at the recent First Lego League Scottish Championships.

But these are not normal circumstances –and rather than do nothing, she devised a competition for children in the Cromarty Primary School catchment area. Its aim was to get the children thinking about how technology could help them during lockdown – with the youngsters drawing picture of themselves using technology to communicate with friends and family while separated.

For secondary school children, Kirsty was looking for them to think of a possible lockdown business idea for themselves.

Sixteen children took part across the two competitions. All entries were of a high level making judging a difficult task. But eventually two winners were announced – Matilda Buchanan in the primary school category for her drawing of her using video technology to chat with a friend, and Orlagh MacIver in the secondary category for her detailed homepage for an online spaceship and pilot rental business.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.